Wedge compressor

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a glazing wedge compressor for installing a glazing wedge about the periphery of window glass. The glazing wedge compressor is equipped with a suction adhering member to secure the unit to a window surface. A wedge contacting arm is slidably connected to the suction member and can be moved by an operator into engagement with a glazing wedge in order to uniformly urge the wedge into position about the periphery of the window surface, between the glass and the window frame.

United States Patent 1191 Mayer Sept. 16, 1975 WEDGE COMPRESSOR 888,584 1/1962 United Kingdom 269/21 [75] Inventor: James E. Mayer, Highland Springs,

Primary ExaminerAl Lawrence Smith [73] Assignee The Brown Company, North Assistant Examiner-Harold P. Smith, Jr.

Baltimore, Ohio Attorney, Agent, or FirmVincent L. Barker, Jr.;

Thomas M. Freiburger [22] Filed: Mar. 8, 1974 21 Appl. No.2 449,507

[57] ABSTRACT [52] US. Cl. 29/267 51 1m. (:1. B25B 27/02 Disclosed is a glazing Wedge compressor for installing [58] Field of Search 29/244, 256, 267, 283; a glazing Wedge about the p p y of Window glass- 254/15, 1 13 1 9; 269/21 95 The glazing wedge compressor is equipped with a suction adhering member to secure the unit to a window [56] References Cited surface. A wedge contacting arm is slidably connected UNITED STATES PATENTS to the suction member and can be moved by an operator into engagement with a glazing wedge in order to gills! uniformly g the wedge into p i i about the p l960255 41934 j g 29/267 riphery of the window surface, between the glass and 1,990,905 2 1935 Hasty 29 244 the Wmdow frame- FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 9 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 624,144 7/1961 Canada 269/21 PATENTEB SEP 1 6 H375 SHEET 10F 2 WEDGE COMPRESSOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to apparatus for handling and installing window-like objects of various size. In particular, it relates to a glazing wedge compressor for installing a glazing wedge about the periphery of a window during the installation of glass.

In present methods of installing glazing wedges, a small hand-held tool is employed, whereby an operator uses this tool to progressively force a glazing wedge into position around the entire periphery of a window surface. However, in performing such an operation in which the glazing wedge is forced between the edge of the glass surface and a suitable window frame, a highly localized force thereby is applied to various and numerous points along the window periphery, as an operator progresses through the installation procedure. Such localized applicationlof pressure tends to create shock and tension in these particular localized areas, thus inducing and often resulting in glass breakage along the window edge. This breakage, of course, is highly undesirable, as well as being hazardous and costly.

Hence, for efficiency and ease of use, a glazing wedge installation device is needed which accomplishes compression of a glazing wedge while minimizing any possible breakage to a window surface.

It is an object of this invention to provide a glazing wedge compressor for efficiently installing a glazing wedge about the periphery of a window surface with a minimum of effort.

It is another object to provide a glazing wedge compressor; the use of which minimizes the occurrence of breakage during installation of a window, particularly during cold weather.

It is a further object to provide a glazing wedge com pressor which distributes a wedge-urging pressure over a maximum area, in order to prevent localized shock and tension.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with principles of this invention, the objects as set forth are attained by providing a slidably connected compressor frame assembly mounted on a surface adhering support member. This compressor assembly includes an elongated force-diffusing wedgecontacting member, which can be laterally extended through operation of a compressor handle and linkage arrangement. The surface adhering member is adapted to securely engage a flat surface, such as a glass window. After this adhering member has been secured in place on a Window set in position in a window frame such that it is ready for installation, an operator depresses a compressor handle causing the wedge contacting member to be urged against a glazing wedge. Accordingly, the glazing wedge is compressed into its properly installed position between the glass and frame assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead l. 2 beingplaced on illustratingprinciples of the invention.

FIG.' 1 is a prospective view of a glazing wedge compressor according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of a glazing wedge compressor, depicting the compressor in its initial operational position.

FIG. 3 is another sectional side view of a glazing wedge compressor, further illustrating the operational sequence of the device.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional side view of a glazing wedge compressor, viewed along cutting plane 44 in FIG. 1. This view depicts the slidable connection of an extending arm to a bracket plate of a suction member.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the elements of the invention as embodied in the drawings, numeral 10, in FIG. 1, generally represents a standard suction-cup-type surface adhering member, such as that disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,240,525 issued to H. L. Wood. This surface adhering member comprises a gripping pad 1 1 whose contacting surface is interconnected with a pump cylinder-axle member 7. Reciprocation of a pump plunger 9 serves to evacuate the area beneath the gripping pad suction cup. Accordingly, secure attachment is achieved to an article such as glass having a relatively smooth surface area, as described in the Wood patent cited above.

Numeral 12 generally represents a compressor frame assembly including a glazing wedge contacting member 19, which is rigidly fastened to a supporting frame that is movably connected to the vacuum adhering assembly. As best shown in FIG. 4, this movable frame is connected to the suction member by slot-engaging bolts 15 which engage slotted guideways 13 provided in extending arms 27 connected to the wedge contacting member 19. Brackets 5, which support the pump cylinderaxle, also serve as mounts for the sliding bolt connection with the extending arms.

The compressor frame is operated through depression of compressor handle 17. This handle is mounted on pump cylinder-axle member 7 and is supported by handle brackets 31. Compressor linkage 23 provides interconnection between handle 17 and the extending arm assembly including arms 27. This linkage 23 is adjustably fastened to the extending arm assembly by brackets 29, which are provided with a pivot bolt member 33. Extension adjustment of the extendable arms 27 is accomplished through use of alternate adjustment bores 35. The compressor linkage 23 is forked at its opposite end and attached to the compressor handle by pivot connection 39.

Wedge contacting member 19 is a long arm member rigidly fastened perpendicular to extending arms 27 by braces 25 which serve to insure the rigidity of the wedge urging member 19. Connected to each of the brace arms are return springs 21 which bias the compressor frame assembly toward the suction cup assembly.

The following description of the actual operation of the device refers to FIGS. 2 and 3 which illustrate the functional sequence. Initially, a window glass 43, to be installed, is set in a standard window frame 47 against a gasket member 45. In order to secure the window in place, a glazing wedge 41 must be forced into position between the edge of the glass surface and the standard frame member.

Accordingly, the glazing wedge compressor is pressed against the window surfacewith its suction gripping pad assembly contacting the flat surface of the glass. Through reciprocation of the pump plunger 9, a vacuum is created within the area between the gripping pad and the glass surface, thus establishing a secure bond between the suction member and the window. The glazing wedge itself is set loosely about the periphery of the window, in position for forced insertion. The overall arrangement at this point is depicted in FIG. 2, which shows contacting surface 37 of wedge urging member 19 aligned with the glazing wedge 41 and its felt underside in sliding contact with the glass 43. Then, an operator merely depresses the compressor handle 17 in the direction of arrow 14 in FIG. 3, thus forcing the wedge contacting member 19 in the direction of arrow 16. In this manner, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the glazing wedge is urged into its desired position. Since wedge contacting member 19 provides a lengthy area of contact with the glazing wedge member, the overall force applied by the operator is diffused over a maximum area of the window edge. Thus, highly localized pressure points are obviated, reducing occurrene of window breakage due to shock and tension.

The invention has been found to be particularly useful for installing large panes of glass in cold weather. In this regard, when standard installation methods were used by skilled artisans to install glass in a large build ing during freezing weather, about 50 percent of the panes broke when the structure of the invention was employed. Under substantially similar conditions, however, over 300 panes of glass were installed without a single pane being broken. Hence, it will be appreciated that the invention is a major contribution to the glazing industry.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various alterations in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the suction means illustrated has been found to be most advantageous, other suitable support arrangements could be devised. Similarly, the overall design of the compressor frame assembly could be altered in various manners without affecting functioning of the device.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A glazing wedge compressor, comprising:

a suction operated window surface adhering memher;

an extendable compressor frame assembly movably connected to said adhering member, including a glazing wedge contacting member having a wedge contacting face thereon; and

means operably connected to the adhering member and the compressor frame assembly for pushing the glazing wedge contacting member in a direction parallel to the window surface and away from the adhering member against a glazing wedge to drive the wedge into a desired position at the periphery of the window surface; and wherein said wedge contacting face faces in the direction of wedge contacting member movement.

2. The glazing wedge compressor of claim I wherein said compressor frame assembly is slidably connected to said window surface adhering member by slotted guideways and slot-engaging bolts.

3. The glazing wedge compressor of claim 1 wherein said pushing means includes a compressor handle pivotally connected to said window surface adhering member and linkage means connecting said compressor handle with said compressor frame, so that activation of the compressor handle causes extension or retraction of the compressor frame assembly, and said glazing wedge contacting member includes an elongated, force-diffusing wedge contacting edge.

4. The glazing wedge compressor of claim 1 wherein said glazing wedge contacting member includes an elongated, force-diffusing wedge contacting edge.

5. The glazing wedge compressor of claim I wherein said glazing wedge contacting member includes cushioning means for preventing the scratching of the window surface.

6. A glazing wedge compressor, comprising a window surface adhering member, an extendable compressor frame assembly movably connected to said adhering member and including a glazing wedge contacting member having an elongated, force-diffusing wedge contacting edge and cushioning means for preventing the scratching of the window surface, and means operably connected to the adhering member and the compressor frame assembly for pushing the glazing wedge contacting member away from the adhering member against a glazing wedge to drive the wedge into a desired position at the periphery of the window surface.

7 A glazing wedge compressor, comprising a suction operated window surface adhering member, a glazing wedge contacting member having a wedge contacting face thereon, and means operably connected to the surface adhering member for engaging and pushing the glazing wedge contacting member in a direction parallel to the window surface and away from the adhering member against a glazing wedge to drive the wedge into a desired position at the periphery of the window surface; and wherein said wedge contacting face faces in the direction of wedge contacting member movement.

8. The glazing wedge compressor of claim 7 wherein said glazing wedge contacting member includes an elongated, force-diffusing wedge contacting edge.

9. The glazing wedge compressor of claim 7 wherein said engaging and pushing means includes a compressor handle pivotally connected to the window surface adhering member and linkage means connecting said compressor handle with the wedge contacting member, so that activation of the compressor handle effects the pushing of the wedge contacting member to drive the wedge into said desired position. 

1. A glazing wedge compressor, comprising: a suction operated window surface adhering member; an extendable compressor frame assembly movably connected to said adhering member, including a glazing wedge contacting member having a wedge contacting face thereon; and means operably connected to the adhering member and the compressor frame assembly for pushing the glazing wedge contacting member in a direction parallel to the window surface and away from the adhering member against a glazing wedge to drive the wedge into a desired position at the periphery of the window surface; and wherein said wedge contacting face faces in the direction of wedge contacting member movement.
 2. The glazing wedge compressor of claim 1 wherein said compressor frame assembly is slidably connected to said window surface adhering member by slotted guideways and slot-engaging bolts.
 3. The glazing wedge compressor of claim 1 wherein said pushing means includes a compressor handle pivotally connected to said window surface adhering member and linkage means connecting said compressor handle with said compressor frame, so that activation of the compressor handle causes extension or retraction of the compressor frame assembly, and said glazing wedge contacting member includes an elongated, force-diffusing wedge contacting edge.
 4. The glazing wedge compressor of claim 1 wherein said glazing wedge contacting member includes an elongated, force-diffusing wedge contacting edge.
 5. The glazing wedge compressor of claim 1 wherein said glazing wedge contacting member includes cushioning means for preventing the scratching of the window surface.
 6. A glazing wedge compressor, comprising a window surface adhering member, an extendable compressor frame assembly movably connected to said adhering member and including a glazing wedge contacting member having an elongated, force-diffusing wedge contacting edge and cushioning means for preVenting the scratching of the window surface, and means operably connected to the adhering member and the compressor frame assembly for pushing the glazing wedge contacting member away from the adhering member against a glazing wedge to drive the wedge into a desired position at the periphery of the window surface.
 7. A glazing wedge compressor, comprising a suction operated window surface adhering member, a glazing wedge contacting member having a wedge contacting face thereon, and means operably connected to the surface adhering member for engaging and pushing the glazing wedge contacting member in a direction parallel to the window surface and away from the adhering member against a glazing wedge to drive the wedge into a desired position at the periphery of the window surface; and wherein said wedge contacting face faces in the direction of wedge contacting member movement.
 8. The glazing wedge compressor of claim 7 wherein said glazing wedge contacting member includes an elongated, force-diffusing wedge contacting edge.
 9. The glazing wedge compressor of claim 7 wherein said engaging and pushing means includes a compressor handle pivotally connected to the window surface adhering member and linkage means connecting said compressor handle with the wedge contacting member, so that activation of the compressor handle effects the pushing of the wedge contacting member to drive the wedge into said desired position. 